Posted on August 11, 2012 by Jennifer Wolfe
Out of the myriad of activities we’ve engaged in this week in Los Angeles, I have to say that tonight at the museum was one of my favorites…the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is small, quiet, and exquisite. These images calmed me down and spoke to my soul. What do they say to you?
Posted on July 28, 2012 by Jennifer Wolfe
Every day as I walk out of my western-style hotel room, I take a deep breath and try to prepare myself for the day. I keep thinking that each day nothing could out do the day before, that the people, food and experiences couldn’t possibly be more amazing than what I’ve already seen.
And every evening, when I walk back into my hotel room, I take a deep breath and try to process everything that I saw, touched and tasted that day. Just when I think I can anticipate how I will react I am continually amazed at myself and the world around me.
I am learning the true meaning of ‘expect the unexpected’ – and the best part is that I’m learning to accept the unexpected, too.
Posted on July 20, 2012 by Jennifer Wolfe
I’ve spent a little over 24 hours in Indonesia, and have been surprised during many of them. So many of the people speak English, and as we’ve been driving around the city I’ve been amazed at the number of signs and billboards advertising American products and companies.
In the 8th grade classroom today I was surprised when the students stood and greeted us, clad int heir formal school uniforms (including black Converse) when we walked to the door.
I was equally shocked when they began the class with a prayer and then told me how much they like Facebook and Twitter.
And even though I’ve experienced California traffic, nothing can compare to what I’ve seen in Jakarta. While we plan our commutes and trips according to peak traffic hours, in Jakarta there is always bumper to motorbike traffic. Looking out my window now, at 10 p.m., I see tail and headlights in a steady stream. Amazingly, the cars are in great condition and don’t look like they ever run into each other, and adults hold babies on their laps as they whiz by on their motorcycle.
I’m just soaking it all in, trying to understand the people, the customs and what is important to them. And despite all the surprises of the last 24 hours, I’m starting to see that underneath it all we’re really all not that different.
Posted on July 6, 2012 by Jennifer Wolfe
It took 46 years to sense it…
first just a tickle
then a burst out here and there
like a drowning woman rising to the top
churning and bubbling to the surface
It took 46 years to feel it…
saying goodbye to identities no longer useful
relationships not meeting needs
or stereotypes obliged to slide to the side
and slither into obscurity
It took 46 years to create it…
birthing them from me and
me from myself
welcoming a new phase of existence
all the time surrendering expired habits
It took 46 years to explode it…
pulsing out my heart through my fingertips
rushing out my mouth to the world
exuding out my very being into the
freedom to be
me.
Independence.
Posted on May 26, 2012 by Jennifer Wolfe
 |
| FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
It was a rough playoff game. The loser faced the dismal loser’s bracket, forced to claw their way back up. Neither team wanted to start off the series that way.
The game started out ok, and we kept it tied for the first few innings 0-0. Then 1-1. But when we got to the third and fourth, and their pitcher sent curve ball after fastball after slider at our boys, their spirits sank and so did their bats.
The opposition took advantage, and runs began pouring in. 3-1. 5-1. Then it was 6-2, bottom of the sixth. Our last up at bat, and hope was nearly gone – until their pitcher ran up his count, and had to exit. Thank goodness for Little League arm-protection rules.
And an amazing thing happened. Our boys started cheering each other on. We got on base, one after another and they were loaded. One out. Home plate started seeing our footprint, and when my son stole home it was a tie game, 6-6. Before we knew it, the shortstop stole home, too, and we were on top-a place we never expected to be.
After the game, I asked my son what he thought about the night – how was he feeling during and after? He paused, then responded, “Well, I guess you just can never give up.”
Life lessons from a 12-year-old.
